Buzzard

Buzzard

The buzzard is a large member of the hawk family. In North America vultures are commonly called buzzards. However, this is an incorrect classification. Vultures and hawks are two distinct families, with buzzards belonging to the latter. Characterized by its rounded tail and long splayed wings, this hawk has a distinct hunting style. Unlike other hawks, buzzards do not hunt from the air. Rather, they sit motionless for extended periods of time and scan the ground for an unsuspecting victim to pounce on. The buzzard has excellent vision, which is useful for this hunting technique. Buzzards commonly eat rabbits, voles and other small ground animals. Having a wingspan of 3 to 5 ft the buzzard inhabits open terrain in tropical regions. [BM] {FW}